As with every stage of a person's life, there are events that occur which shape and change the way that you proceed.
Re-locating to a new home, changing jobs, bereavement, relationship changes can all leave you re-evaluating how you live your life and often you find yourself making decisions about how to change it.
Having a baby is one of those pivotal moments that kind of force a change in you - as a new parent, you have to change many aspects of your life whether you like it or not.
You curb nights out and holidays abroad, re-assess your working-versus-home life, have less expendable income, convert your living space into a kiddie-friendly area.. and that's just the tip of the iceberg (as you know).
And as you travel down this path of parenthood, other little things become noticeable too - a little change develops on the wind surrounding things that you no longer really care about.
Things that were so very, very important to you before you had kids just sort of.. fade into obscurity.
Like all of these!
1. Not Wearing Make-up In Public
There was a time when I would DIE if I ran into anyone I knew if I had no make-up on. These days, I reckon the general public are just lucky to see me without any puke and/or mashed up banana on my forehead.
2. Maintaining Friendships With Toxic People
Mammies have zero time or patience for nonsense and that includes people who are a drain on your limited levels of energy and time. There will be no small talk or 'getting along for peace's sake' because busy mamas just can't be dealing with the B.S.
3. Drinking By Yourself
Pre-kids, I would have felt a bit sad to be at home drinking alone and pulled a bit of a 'Billy No Mates' on the situation. Now, I am THRILLED if I get 20 silent minutes to have a glass of wine to myself at the weekend.
4. Saying No
Nights out that would really be a hassle? No. Hosting a dinner party for your long-lost uncle who is returning home from New Zealand who you haven't seen for 14 years? Hell, no! You used to have the scope to put yourself out for everyone but these days, it's just so much less stress and hassle for you and your family if you shut that stuff down immediately.
5. Popular Culture
There was a time when I needed to know what the coolest music, fashion and technology was. Now I'm quite happy so long as I'm up to date with Peppa Pig and which school might be the best one to send my kids to (but also, I'm fairly thrilled not to have to know anything about Kanye, to be fair).
6. Being Popular
So long as my kids and partner love me, I don't really give a rats what anyone else thinks about me. It's a very nice place to be, mentally!
7. Having The Perfect House
I never did have 'the perfect house' although I did once own a few nice things (I think they're up in the attic somewhere, hiding from our toddler). My floors may never be clean but I know my kids are happy and so that's the main thing.
8. Having The Perfect Body
I'm fairly happy with myself so long as I can at least get some exercise and fresh air in every day. I know I'm loved for who I am and striving for 'bodily perfection' isn't going to change that so why put myself through the hassle of worrying about it?!
9. Getting Stressed About Work
I know that work stress affects everyone in different ways but my attitude towards it has definitely changed since I had kids. I used to just want to work all the time to earn enough money to buy nice things and go travelling. Now I just want to work the right amount of time away from my kids that I can still spend time with them while also spending my money on nice things for them.
10. Shaving My Legs
I just don't have as much time as I used to. Poor, long-suffering other half!
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